Nov 21, 2012

You Are the Historian: Investigating the First Thanksgiving is an interactive exploration of the facts and myths associated with the story of the First Thanksgiving. You can explore the facts and myths through the eyes of a Native American or an English Colonist. Through the eyes of each character you will discover the culture of giving thanks in the Native American and English cultures. My favorite part is the "path to 1621". In that part you can see the different perspectives about the same issue.

Students are encouraged to go through each step. At the end "share what you've discover".

Nov 7, 2012

Yesterday just over 10,000 residents in our city cast ballots. I did. At 7:45 in the morning, I was voter number 71 at my local voting station. Like me, most voted for either President Obama or Governor Romney. Some may have voted for a third party candidate or wrote in a specific name. If you have watched the news or checked the internet, you are well aware that President Obama won the election with 303 votes. But did he really win the election? Before you get any funny ideas, this not a conspiracy post. It has more to do with how we elect a president. What does "303" electoral votes mean? What is the Electoral College? Who came up with it and why was it necessary? What did the media mean when they said "270" is needed to win? Are there any U.S. Citizens forbidden from voting? When I get to live in the Starship Enterprise, will I be able to vote?

Nov 5, 2012

Nov 4, 2012

Check out this infographic summarizing a recent study at Brown University on dating and politics. Pay close attention to the initial premise - that two of the most important criteria for a perfectly matched couple are their agreement on politics and religion or church attendance. As you will see, the study indicates that most adult couples refrain from discussing and sharing their political opinions as they try to "win" the affections of their potential mates.

Why is agreement on political and religious positions so important for a perfectly matched couple? Why might we conceal our political and religious opinions when looking for a marriage partner? Is is dishonest to willfully withhold our political and religious opinions if they are so important to us? What are your thoughts?

Why is agreement on political and religious positions so important for a perfectly matched couple? Why might we conceal our political and religious opinions when looking for a marriage partner? Is is dishonest to willfully withhold our political and religious opinions if they are so important to us? What are your thoughts?

Adopt a Classroom

Did you know that on average teaches spend $600 a year on necessary school supplies for students. Through "Adopt a Classroom" you can make a donation to help provide classroom materials for students. This link specifically helps students in East Providence, RI. These funds are given directly to teachers for use in their classrooms.